Have you ever though how much you can learn from a day in a museum?
Well, I’m here to share with you the marvels I found in Villa Borghese, along with their stories.
Follow me down this thread to a world of myth and divine inspiration:
Apollo and Daphne by Bernini; the sculpture depicts the climax of the Greek myth of Apollo and Daphe, as the nymph escapes Apollo's advances by transforming into a laurel tree.
Can you see the dynamic movement? Can you see her transforming?
Zoom In.
Venus Victrix, meaning Aphrodite the victorious; she holds an apple in her hand evoking her victory in the Judgement of Paris, which caused the Trojan War.
Can you see the winner’s arrogance in her posture?
Speaking of the Trojan War, here’s Aeneas and Anchisses. The Trojan hero Aeneas, is carrying his old father after the fall of Troy.
Myth wants him to have founded Rome.
Can you see the strength in the body of the son carrying the fickle body of his father?
Intermission: just a couple of little angels looking at you at the gate arc.
Just another one of this breathtaking ceilings. This scene depicts the Greek myth of Phaethon, son of Helius - the Sun.
The boy took his fathers chariot, carrying the Light but, after many complaints, from the stars in the sky to the Earth herself, Zeus strikes Phaethon with one of his lightning bolts, killing him instantly.
David preparing to launch his projectile against Goliath; this is the biblical story depicting David determined to win this fight for his life.
Another masterpiece of Bernini.
Can you see the determination in his facial expression? Zoom in!
And I saved the best fo last; Persephone’s abduction by Hades, also by Bernini.
This tragic scene depicts Hades, king of the underworld, abducting Persephone? Daughter of Demeter, Goddess of agriculture and nature. This Ancient Greek myth was used to explain the seasonal changes, as a deal was struck among the gods: Persephone would spend half a year above the ground with her mother (spring and summer) and half the year below (autumn and winter).
They ended up happily married.
Can you see her tears? Zoom in!
All photos are mine, from my travel diaries.
If you liked the stories, please share and spread the word. Our fellow humans need to see what our species is capable of.
A final shot of the three-headed good boy, Cerberus. I bet you don’t encounter this angle often.
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Many claim that a Golden Age dawns for America. But have you ever wondered how many times has humanity seen a Golden Age?
Let’s go over 10 such periods when civilizations expanded and humanity progressed..🧵⤵️
Golden Age of Athens (5th Century BC): Under Pericles, Athens saw the peak of democracy, philosophical exploration & achievements like the Parthenon.
This era was a cultural zenith, influencing Western civilization profoundly with its advances in thought, art, and politics.
Hellenistic Period (323 BC - 31 BC): After Alexander the Great, Greek civilization spread widely. This period was marked by the blending of cultures, advancements in science, and the establishment of the Library of Alexandria as a knowledge hub.
Have you ever wondered why witches are often depicted dancing naked under the moonlight in forests? Have you thought why an evil goat is always around?
What if I told you this eerie imagery has roots far older and deeper than you think? ..🧵⤵️
In Greek mythology, the lore surrounding nymphs often paints them as benevolent figures intertwined with the natural world and human life. Nymphs, ethereal beings, are typically depicted with a deep connection to nature, embodying the essence of the landscapes they inhabit.
They are known for their kindness towards humans, often appearing in stories as helpers or guides, offering aid, wisdom, or even love.
Consider the story of Egeria, a nymph associated with a spring near Rome. She was not only a source of clear, life-giving water but also a wise figure who advised Numa Pompilius, one of Rome's ancient kings.
Egeria helped Numa with his laws and religious rituals, showcasing the benevolence of nymphs in fostering human civilization and spirituality.
Many claim Alexander was the greatest conqueror; others say Rome was the greatest empire in history.
I believe it was someone else who came and made this world His forever, becoming the King of kings. Here’s how: ..🧵
(Tap & Hold the Map to load in 4K)
Jesus and His teachings had profound cultural and political influence, changing the world forever. Christianity, with 2.4B adherents is the largest religion today. It's divided into branches like Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism.
But how did it conquer the world?
Christianity's spread during its early days involved complex factors, social and political; crucial during the early days was the work of the Apostles and the socioeconomic framework that existed in the Greco-Roman world (Roman Empire and the Greek language)
Everyone has heard of Rome; but not everyone knows about the Eastern Roman Empire. Were Byzantines true Romans or true Greeks?
Let’s explore their identity and what made Constantinople a symbol of a renewed Empire.
Let us start from the context and why we talk about “West” and “East”; the division of the Roman Empire and the establishment of Constantinople as a new imperial capital were responses to several interconnected political, economic, and military challenges.
The Empire had grown vast, stretching from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Near East. Managing such a large territory was increasingly difficult, leading to inefficiency and slow response times to crises.
Different regions of the empire faced distinct challenges, including invasions in the West and threats from the Persian Empire in the East. A centralized government struggled to address these issues.
From Alexander the Great to George Washington, discover the greatest leaders who shaped history's most iconic nations!
Here’s a list with the great nations and their greatest leader (some choices were really hard)...🧵
Egypt: Ramses II
Known as Ramses the Great, he signed the first recorded treaty with the Hittites after the Battle of Kadesh. His reign saw monumental architecture, including Abu Simbel temples, symbolizing Egypt's power; his age was the golden age of stability and prosperity.
Hellas: Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great created one of the largest empires in history by the age of 30. He spread Hellenic culture across the known world. His military genius and vision of unity transformed history, laying foundations for the world we know today.